In a recent post we mentioned Vlisco fabrics in connection with Viktor & Rolf's Spring/Summer 2015 Haute Couture collection and yesterday we focused instead on a documentary about Marga Weimans, the Dutch designer who also worked with Vlisco textiles in her previous collections. Let's continue the Vlisco fabrics theme and let's remain in the Netherlands for another day to explore the "Architectural Fabrics Vs Smart Textiles" theme.
The definition "architectural fabrics" does not refer in this case to industrial textiles to build specific structures like free-form tension canopies, but, more simply, to textiles with prints inspired by construction themes.
A perfect example is this Vlisco fabric available in four different colours and characterised by a series of brick-like angular, circular and curved shapes, and a unique depth achieved by combining the wax technique with the design of the drawings.
A fashionable fabric (that also calls to mind the designs by the Memphis Milano group) turns in this case into a cultural product that also introduces the "Afropolitan" or "Afro-urban" themes.
An exhibition at the Tilburg-based TextielMuseum looks instead at the possibilities that very different types of fabrics may give us in a not so distant future.
"Smart Textiles - Wearable Services" (until 22 February 2015) presents swatches of prototypes illustrated by stylish images and photographs. Fashion, interior design, science, medicine and health care are mixed and combined in the prototypes showcased, each of them developed by designers in collaboration with software and hardware engineering companies, service providers, designers, research institutions and creative hubs in a multi-disciplinary effort.
The works shown are part of the Smart Textile Services project, a subdivision of the Creative Industry Scientific Program (CRISP; established to develop a knowledge infrastructure that stimulates the continued growth of the Dutch design sector and creative industries).
Fabrics designed to create social or intimate interactions, dresses with 3D printed elements and self-care tools in the form of garments that help the wearer healing through vibration therapy and treat illnesses such as osteoporosis are juxtaposed to products developed to fight pollution such as the BB.Suit 0.2 or textile objects like a pillow or a blanket that may help patients with dementia in keeping connected with their loved ones.
Integrating smart technologies into wearable pieces seemed almost impossible up until a few years ago and, while this has turned into a reality, the most intriguing aspect behind these designs is not the possibility of coming up with extravagantly conceptual pieces for few people like artists or performers, but the chance of creating useful designs that may genuinely improve the lives of many ordinary people.
Image credits for this post
1. - 4. Fabrics by Vlisco
5. Exhibition: Smart Textiles – Wearable Services
Project: Smart Textiles Services (CRISP)
Photo: Josefina Eikenaar/TM
6. BB.Suit
Designer: Martijn ten Bhömer, Borre Akkersdijk, Daan
Spangenberg
Year: 2014
Exhibition: Smart Textiles – Wearable Services
Project: Smart Textiles Services (CRISP)
Photo: Josefina Eikenaar/TM
7. Unlace / Tactile Diaologues / Spine Dress
Designer: Eef Lubbers / Martijn ten Bhömer, Borre Akkersdijk /
Marina Toeters, Contrechoc
Year: 2012 / 2013-2014 / 2013
Exhibition: Smart Textiles – Wearable Services
Project: Smart Textiles Services (CRISP)
Photo: Josefina Eikenaar/TM
8. Vib-ing
Designer: Eunjeong Jeon, Kristi Kuusk, Martijn ten Bhömer, Jesse
Asjes
Year: 2012
Exhibition: Smart Textiles – Wearable Services
Project: Smart Textiles Services (CRISP)
Photo: Josefina Eikenaar/TM
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